Photo Restorationhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk
Photo Retouching, Restore Old Photos, Fix-Your-PixWed, 16 Jan 2019 16:29:12 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9How To Store Old Photos In Your Home: 5 Things You Should Knowhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/store-old-photos-home-5-things-know/
Sat, 25 Nov 2017 12:09:06 +0000https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/?p=2101Whether you like to keep your old photos on display or tucked away, this post is for you. Learn how to store old photos in your home with this post. Photos aren’t forever. Photographs are a great way to preserve precious memories, but they can crack and fade with age, or be ruined by moisture and […]

]]>A Beginner’s Guide to Preserving Old Photos Digitallyhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/beginners-guide-preserving-old-photos-digitally/
Thu, 23 Nov 2017 12:06:29 +0000https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/?p=2097A great way to keep your old photos around for years to come is to preserve them digitally. Check out this guide to preserving old photos digitally here. You can never replace your old photos. Once they’re gone, you lose those priceless moments forever. This is why preserving old photos is so important. Thankfully, technology […]

A great way to keep your old photos around for years to come is to preserve them digitally. Check out this guide to preserving old photos digitally here.

You can never replace your old photos. Once they’re gone, you lose those priceless moments forever. This is why preserving old photos is so important.

Thankfully, technology has made it a lot easier to store your photos safely. It’s even enabled us to restore old photographs once they’re in a digital format.

Here’s a short beginner’s guide to preserving old photos digitally. Keep reading to find out what steps you need to take to make sure your photos always remain with you.

Using a Scanner to Digitize Photos

Scanning is the superior method for preserving old photos. Here are the steps you can follow to get the most out of a flatbed scanner.

Step 1: Get Rid of Dust

Carefully remove your old photos from the album. Start off by wiping both the scanner and the photos with a microfiber cloth to get rid of any dust. This will help you ensure a higher quality scan.

Step 2: Place the Photos on the Scanner

It’s best to scan multiple photos in bulk to save time, especially if you have a large stack of photos to preserve. Lay the photos side by side on the scanner. Make sure you line them up as straight as possible because this will help you later.

Step 3: Scan Your Photos

For the resolution, select 300 dpi. This will ensure your image matches up to photos from modern cameras. Also, save the scan in a TIFF (.tif) format to avoid compression.

Step 4: Crop Your Photos

Once you scan the photos, you’ll need to open up the scan on your computer and crop to the edges of each individual photo. The straighter you laid the photos on the scanner, the easier it will be to crop them. Finally, save each individual photo in Jpeg format set to the highest quality.

Step 5: Make Backups

Once you have digital versions of each photo, create a backup to ensure your photos remain safe. An external hard drive is fine, but there are many ways to back up to the cloud as well.

Using Your Camera or Smartphone

Taking pictures of your old photos may seem like the most convenient way to digitize them. But scanning your photos provides you with the most detailed results. Unlike taking a photo, scanning eliminates optical distortion and provides consistent lighting.

However, if you don’t have access to a scanner, you can choose to take a photo with a camera, smartphone, or tablet.

First, find an area with good lighting so you can avoid using flash. To minimize distortion, position your camera directly above the old photo, not at an angle. Don’t use zoom, and make sure your camera is in focus before taking the picture.

Final Thoughts on Preserving Old Photos

You have a couple of options for preserving old photos digitally.

The most convenient method is to use your smartphone or camera to take a photo of your photo. However, remember that scanning your photos will give you the best results in the end.

Also, keep in mind that no scan will ever be flawless. Do your best to remove dust, but don’t worry if the scan is not quite as clear as the original.

If your newly preserved photos need restoration, get a free quote and assessment from us. Also, visit our FAQ page if you have any questions about the restoration process.

]]>The Top Common Digital Retouching Errors to Avoidhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/top-common-digital-retouching-errors-avoid/
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 14:11:12 +0000https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/?p=2045The Top Common Digital Retouching Errors to Avoid In the digital era of photography, it’s more important than ever to cherish your old photos. They are relics of a time that no longer exists. One where wedding tables included Instamatic cameras. Children were excited to shake the Polaroid. And photographers pined over dark room perfection. […]

Photo before and after the image editing process. Mediterranean sea ships

The Top Common Digital Retouching Errors to Avoid

In the digital era of photography, it’s more important than ever to cherish your old photos. They are relics of a time that no longer exists.

One where wedding tables included Instamatic cameras. Children were excited to shake the Polaroid. And photographers pined over dark room perfection. Today, technology lets us keep photos in the cloud with digital retouching filters. It’s not commonplace to see people collecting photos in albums anymore.

But the reaches of technology can be a blessing and a curse.

That’s because many people substitute professional services in favor of doing it themselves. Amateurs market services and consumers are caught in the crosshairs.

In the end, we all just want to cherish memories. To enjoy them the best way possible, in their best condition.

If you’re a go-getter, you may be inclined to shoot and edit your own photos. Maybe you have some old photos that need digital retouching?

Common errors to avoid when retouching your photos.

1) Take your time with human subjects

Human subjects are the trickiest. It’s easy to overdo it.

Take your time with human subjects by mentally mapping the face. Look for birthmarks, shading, and lines that occur naturally and should not be erased. If you erase all marks on the face, the skin will look like plastic.

Work on small parts of the photo, one section at a time. Do not attempt to edit the photo in one fail swoop. For success, take it slow, little by little.

Use a side-by-side to compare each small edit to the original photo. This way you can tell if you are over-correcting or hitting the mark.

2) Know your software and how to use it.

Many photographers use Adobe Photoshop. Other popular photography programs mimic it.

Whatever software you use for digital retouching, make sure you understand how to use it. Here are some things your software should be able to do.

Layers

Not understanding how to use layers to your advantage is a big no-no. This will make your photos look unprofessional. Investing time to learn about layers will make your photography journey more successful.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Almost all software platforms have built-in keyboard shortcuts. Memorizing these shortcuts is helpful. Have quick and handy shortcuts to make the process run smoother.

Curves

Like layers, when it comes to curves, practice is key. Simply put, curves control how light and shadow can create contrast on each layer. If you aren’t a photographer this may be a new concept, but one worth learning.

3) Stay on top of trends.

Trends can make or break your project.

For instance, recoloring, the process by which you add a pop of color to a black and white photo is dated. This is not a technique you see used by cutting-edge photographers today.

Staying on top of trends can help you add the right amount of eye sparkle to not look like a Snapchat bunny filter.

Make a lasting mark with digital retouching.

The do’s and don’ts of retouching can be a challenge, even for professionals. But if you’re reading this, you are likely an average person who wants to save a few memories. You too can make a lasting mark with digital retouching.

If doing it yourself becomes too much, don’t fret! There are professionals to help with this sort of thing. Continue your journey by learning about professional services and seeing examples.

]]>3 Benefits of Photo Restorationhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/3-benefits-photo-restoration/
Sun, 19 Nov 2017 14:08:41 +0000https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/?p=20403 Outstanding Benefits of Photo Restoration If you have an older image that needs to be restored, photo restoration can bring it back to life! We’re giving you 3 outstanding benefits of photo restoration. Keyword(s): photo restoration A simple photo carries hundreds of memories. For this reason, tears, folds, scratches and fading on a photo […]

3 Outstanding Benefits of Photo Restoration

If you have an older image that needs to be restored, photo restoration can bring it back to life! We’re giving you 3 outstanding benefits of photo restoration.

Keyword(s): photo restoration

A simple photo carries hundreds of memories. For this reason, tears, folds, scratches and fading on a photo can ruin your precious memories. That’s probably the last thing you want.

In spite of your efforts to protect the photos, sometimes the scratches and fade just happen. That’s bad, right?

But don’t give up on them. With photo restoration services, your photos can get a new life and can be cherished forever.

So, if you have damaged photos that you wish to be restored, then you can simply talk to a photo repair service to fix them.

Let’s see some of the benefits you can enjoy from using these services.

1. Restore Damaged Photos

Various things can diminish the quality of your old treasured photos, like molds and fading.

The photos can also get fold marks, which can result in tearing over time. The papers that were used in printing pictures in the past weren’t treated to high standards. This makes your photographs susceptible to damage.

Stains and spots can also affect the photos.

Depending on the level of degradation, the restoration service will use different tools to bring your photos back to life. Fading pictures can be fine tuned using opacity and duplicate layers to improve the overall brightness.

Healing brushes and cloning are used to eliminate localized damage such as creases, stains, scratches, and holes.

2. Get Digital Copies

Still, you can have your old photos converted into digital copies, and you won’t have to worry about damage anymore.

With digital copies, storage is made easy, and you can also easily share them with loved ones. You can store the copies on DVD, computer, phone, and drives, or back them up to the cloud for safe keeping.

A photo restoration service will ensure the quality of the copies is as great as new. They can redefine the photos to give them an excellent visual representation.

]]>Photographic Repair Request from Fix-Your-Pixhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/strange-picture-repair-request-fix-pix/
https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/strange-picture-repair-request-fix-pix/#commentsSat, 18 Nov 2017 13:52:06 +0000http://fixpix.deepblue-digital.co.uk/?p=284Photographic Repair In our many years experience of photographic repair and repairing damaged photographs, Fix-your-pix has often come upon many a strange request. We have repaired photographs or altered images in a variety of different and unusual ways. We might simply remove a coffee cup stain or dust and scratches from a damaged photograph. Or we might restore a photo of a family scene adding […]

Photographic Repair

In our many years experience of photographic repair and repairing damaged photographs, Fix-your-pix has often come upon many a strange request. We have repaired photographs or altered images in a variety of different and unusual ways.

We might simply remove a coffee cup stain or dust and scratches from a damagedphotograph. Or we might restore a photo of a family scene adding back in family members who were originally missing or have faded from the image. We can take parts of other family photographs and rebuild a scene where the family member is missing. We might on occasion have to have someone removed entirely from an image or added back in to an image, the reasons are many and we often do not ask unless the client is willing to tell us the story.

Our greatest reward from photographic repair comes from taking very badly damaged photographs often in black and white. We can then remove creases and folds, we can take out any stains and marks, we can digitally enhance and add in whole missing or torn areas. Finally we can add colour and sharpen the damaged photographs and return them to you as they once were or vastly improved.

Picture Restoration

If you have a photo or set of photos that you believe may be beyond repair do to throw them away and do not think they are not repairable. Please give us the chance to look at them and give you our professional opinion and quote. You may be surprised by what we can do with even the most damaged images and you will certainly be surprised by the price and the speed with which we can turn a shot round.

We generally aim to have your photo repair back to you within 24 hours or less.

]]>https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/strange-picture-repair-request-fix-pix/feed/1Photo Restorationhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/photo-restoration-fix-pix/
Fri, 17 Nov 2017 13:53:57 +0000http://fixpix.deepblue-digital.co.uk/?p=288Photo restoration is the art of returning old and damaged photographs back to their former glory. Fix-your-pix are asked by clients how we perform some of the amazing photo restoration work we do. Exactly how much does a damaged photograph have to suffer before we are no longer able to digitally restore an image. Fix-your-pix has never let anyone down yet when […]

Photo restoration is the art of returning old and damaged photographs back to their former glory. Fix-your-pix are asked by clients how we perform some of the amazing photo restoration work we do. Exactly how much does a damaged photograph have to suffer before we are no longer able to digitally restore an image. Fix-your-pix has never let anyone down yet when it comes to repairing photographs. We have restoredtorn photos, watermarked images, stained and bleached photographs. We have lovingly digitally restored them all back to their former beauty.

Photograph Restoration

First we discuss with clients their photo restoration requirements. We then identify any problems we might foresee in the course of restoring a photo. When colour restoring photographs we will invite the client to view the work. As it progresses we will offer further advice based on what we know about damagedphotography. This lets the client know how we might digitallyrestore it better. This gives the client some control over the photographic restoration process and makes them feel part of the photo restoration journey.

Fix-your-pix have been performing photo restoration services for over 10 years. With many hundreds of hours spent in returning our clients damaged photos back to their original vitality. At the same time making our clients extremely happy with the professional way we carefully handle and restore the photographic images.

In more recent times we have been working with improving, altering or enhancing modern digital photography taken on mobiles devices. So it does not have to be the old photos you have found in the loft. Or even photos in storage that have been left for years. You may want a more recent shot with lens flair or unwanted elements removing. Fix-your-pix is happy to deal with any type of digital image. We work on any type of damaged photograph. We restore it back to what it was or how you want it. Why not give fix-your-pix a call know and give us an idea of your requirements.

]]>The Picture Restoration Process from Fix-Your-Pixhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/picture_restoration/
https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/picture_restoration/#commentsThu, 16 Nov 2017 13:51:16 +0000http://fixpix.deepblue-digital.co.uk/?p=282You may wonder how Fix-your-pix actually manage to restore your damaged photos, well, along with years of photographic restoration experience in knowing how to produce an optimum look from a damaged photograph or damaged image we use a well known piece of professional image restoration software called Photoshop. Using Photoshop along with years of picture restoration knowledge we restore your image in stages. First of […]

]]>You may wonder how Fix-your-pix actually manage to restore your damaged photos, well, along with years of photographic restoration experience in knowing how to produce an optimum look from a damaged photograph or damaged image we use a well known piece of professional image restoration software called Photoshop. Using Photoshop along with years of picture restoration knowledge we restore your image in stages. First of all we crop and re-size the damaged photo to the desired output. We then slowly clone pieces of your undamaged image into the damaged photograph areas, hence filling in the cracks!. Once the damaged image is digitally restored we will then focus on the image contrast and colour balance. Finally we will re-sharpen the image to help bring any detail out. Look out for our next Fix-your-pix Blogsubmission which will go into more detail of how Fix-your-pix performs some of the miracle photo restoration work it does.

]]>https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/picture_restoration/feed/1Picture Restoration from Fix-Your-Pixhttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/picture-restoration-fix-pix/
Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:52:56 +0000http://fixpix.deepblue-digital.co.uk/?p=286Fix-your-pix has been restoring photographs for over 10 years. Using Photoshop techniquesas their primary photographic restoration tool Fix-your-pix has carefully restored many treasured but badly damaged photographs. With picture repair clients up and down the country from all age groups all with different photo restoration requirements. Fix-your-pix endeavours to and succeeds in achieving the impossible with some of the highly damaged photographs it receives via […]

]]>Fix-your-pix has been restoring photographs for over 10 years. Using Photoshop techniquesas their primary photographic restoration tool Fix-your-pix has carefully restored many treasured but badly damaged photographs. With picture repair clients up and down the country from all age groups all with different photo restoration requirements. Fix-your-pix endeavours to and succeeds in achieving the impossible with some of the highly damaged photographs it receives via email and through the letterbox. A favourite is often sun damaged photographs or light faded photographs that have stood on a table or mantelpiece for many years slowly fading away. At Fix-your-pix we are able to scan these damaged photos into our systems and in a matter of hours we can return a retouched photo back to the customer, bringing a smile to many a face.

]]>5 Ways to Save Your Old Damaged Photoshttps://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/5-ways-save-old-damaged-photos/
Thu, 09 Nov 2017 10:15:17 +0000https://www.fix-your-pix.co.uk/?p=2492Are your boxes of old damaged photos collecting dust? Save your vintage photography instead. Here are 5 things you can do to breathe new life into your photos. Everyone loves photos. It’s why Instagram has over 600 million active users, and why sites like AwkwardFamilyPhotos get so popular that they’re given book deals. Point-and-click cameras and smartphones may […]

Are your boxes of old damaged photos collecting dust? Save your vintage photography instead. Here are 5 things you can do to breathe new life into your photos.

Point-and-click cameras and smartphones may have moved photography into the digital age, but many people still prefer physical prints to JPGs.

If you doubt the power of physical photographs, pull out an old photo album at your next family gathering. Then watch as everyone becomes transfixed on the memories they hold in their hands.

Physical photos do have one glaring weakness: they can become damaged. Despite this, you shouldn’t take your old damaged photos to the bin. There are a number of ways to breathe new life into the photographs that you’ve given up on.

In this article, we’ll take a look at five ways to bring your old damaged photos back from ruin.

Dealing with Water Damage

While we all know the importance of proper photo storage, accidents still happen. One of the most common problems with old damaged photos is water damage. If this has ever happened to you, you’re familiar with the headache.

Stacks of pictures all stick together. Photos stick to the glass in their frame. You try to pull apart, but they won’t budge without tearing or peeling.

You might think that your water damaged photos are done for. But don’t fret: there’s a simple–yet delicate–solution to this.

Unsticking Stacks of Photos

Photographs are coated in a type of gelatin. When they become wet, the gelatin softens. While this is how photos become stuck in the first place, it can also be used to fix them.

Purchase a bottle of distilled water at a grocer’s or pharmacy. Pour it into a small container big enough to completely cover the photos.

Place the stuck photos in the water, image side up, and let them sit. It might take twenty or thirty minutes for the gelatin to soften enough to separate the photos.

Gently separate the photos using a finger or a spatula. This will also soften the paper and make it more susceptible to tears, so take caution.

Once you are able to free the photos, lay them image side up on a towel to dry. You might want to lay a book along the edges to prevent them from curling as they dry.

Photos Stuck to the Frame

If your photo is stuck to the glass of its frame, water can cause the photo to smear on the glass. You’re going to need a different method.

Before you try anything, you want to make sure you get a digital copy of the picture. You can lay the photo and the frame onto a scanner and go from there. Once you have your digital copy, take a blow dryer and turn it to low heat.

Holding the blow dryer about 10-12cm from the photo, heat it from the back. After heating it for a few minutes, gently pull back on a corner.

It should pull back quite easily, so if you get any resistance, stop and heat it some more. Be careful not to pull back at too sharp an angle, or you may crease the photo.

Repair Tears

Torn photos are one of the most heartbreaking things can happen to your mementoes. But with a little patience, you can mend the tears in your old damaged photos.

Prepare your workstation by clearing of it all dust and debris. Specks of dirt can cause scratches to the surface of your image and make more work for you.

Take two sheets of clean cardboard and lay one on the clean surface. Carefully arrange the fragments of your torn photos on top of the cardboard.

Gently place the second sheet of cardboard on top of the recreated photo. Pick up both sheets of cardboard and flip it over so that the photograph is now image side down.

Lift the top piece of cardboard slowly, so as to not move the pieces. Using acid-free tape or a mending strip, tape all of the pieces into place.

It’s important to note that regular tapes use a sort of acid in their adhesive. Over time, this acid will damage your photos. Most stationery stores sell acid-free, acrylic or archival tape that will do the job.

If you use a mending strip, you will need to dab a small amount of glue on the back of the paper. Press the mending strip into place. Use a cotton swab to get rid of any excess glue.

Let the photo dry image side down on a towel under a book to prevent curling.

If your photo is particularly delicate, make a copy of the photo before attempting to repair any tears. The only thing worse than an old damaged photo is an old damaged photo that you ruin beyond repair.

How to Clean Dirty Pictures

Just like everything else in life, photos can accumulate all sorts of dirt and grime. Dust collects and gets embedded on the image surface. Sometimes, mould or mildew grow on old damaged photos stored in damp places.

For photos with a small amount of dirt, you might be able to clean them with your finger, canned air, or a photo brush.

Just take care that you don’t press too hard, or the dirt can scratch the surface of the photo. Using a washcloth or rag can also damage your photo. If your photo has any tears, canned air might make them worse. If the dirt is a little more stubborn, rinse the surface of the photo under lukewarm water to loosen up the dust and dirt.

For those real grimy photos, you need to get a little more serious. Gently wipe down the photos using an emulsion cleaning fluid or isopropyl alcohol. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damage.

If you have never used emulsion cleaning fluid before, it’s recommended to try it first with a photo that holds little sentimental value.

Fixing Curls

Do you have any old damaged photos with curled or bent edges?

There are a number of ways to flatten a photo!

The Power of Books

The simplest method is to put your photos under a heavy book. In time, it will be retrained to lay flat. You may want to put your photo inside the book for the same effect.

Iron It Out

For those of you who are a little less patient, you can use a clothing iron. But if done incorrectly, this can permanently damage your photos, so be careful!

Press your photo between a few sheets of tissue paper. Use as many layers as you feel you need to in order to protect your old damaged photos.

Set the iron to the lowest setting and gently press down. Work the iron back and forth across the photo, using a gentle touch as you do. After repeating this for a few minutes, place the photo under a book as it cools.

DIY Humidifier

If you’d prefer a more delicate approach, you can create your own humidification chamber.

Fill a bin with a few centimetres of room-temperature water. Place a baking rack in the water and put your curled photos on the rack.

Close the lid and leave it for several hours. Check on the photo every so often and wipe off any droplets that collect on the photo’s surface.

After a while, the humidity will soften the dry, brittle paper of your old damaged photos. This makes the paper relax, straightening those curled edges.

When your photo has regained its flatness, lay it image side up on a towel to dry. If you like, you can cover it with a heavy book to make sure it stays flat.

Give Old Damaged Photos a Digital Retouch

Sometimes, your old pictures are beyond physical repair. If your photos are faded, discoloured, scratched, or otherwise damaged, you might have no other option but to restore them digitally.

You don’t need to be a Photoshop wizard to breathe life back into your old damaged photos. There are a few simple fixes that even beginners can do themselves.

Before you scan the photos in, make sure that they are free of all dirt and dust. If the edges are torn or tattered, cropping them out can make a big difference.

For discoloured or faded photos, you can easily correct this in any photo editor.

Use the brightness and contrast controls to lighten dark photos or to enhance sun-bleached pictures. Most photo editors also have a colour editor that you can use to correct the colours of the photograph.

If you have a little photo editing experience, you can use a Healing Brush to correct spots and scratches in the photo. After you finish retouching your photos, just be sure to get another copy. You can print it from home on high-quality photo paper or order professional prints from a print shop.

Leave It To the Professionals

Are your old damaged photos beyond your capabilities? Are you worried that you might further damage your photos?

Then you need to come to the professionals. Besides offering expert photo restoration, we can take it even further.

We can colourise your black and white photos, retouch age marks on portraits, remove unwanted photos, or even turn your photos into dazzling fantasies. Contact us today!